OUR VIEW: Show some school spirit as classes begin again

Throughout the city of Murfreesboro, children sprang from their beds this morning, ate a healthy breakfast, dressed and brushed their teeth, then waited excitedly at the bus stop to be chauffeured to their first day of the school year.

So maybe the morning didn't start off quite as well at your house. You have a whole school year to perfect it.

And the same goes for families who students attend Rutherford County Schools, except they have until Thursday morning to make their first appearance in the classroom.

We encourage morning commuters to remember to reduce their speed in school zones, to watch out for children waiting for the bus and to never pass a school bus when it is stopped to pick up children.

We also encourage parents to take time to attend the open houses and classroom meetings that will take place in the next few weeks, get to know their child's teacher and acquaint themselves with homework policies.

If you haven't before, use the start of this school year to organize places and times for school work to be done and check your child's agenda each evening for notes and assignments.

Know the school dress policy to make sure your child isn't sent home for an inappropriate T-shirt or potentially outlawed leggings.

Parents who have time can offer to volunteer at their child's school. Attend field trips when possible, sign up to send in snacks and join the PTO. But don't overextend yourself, and caution your children against doing the same. Sports practice, civic clubs and music lessons can eat into precious homework time.

Parents who do have time to volunteer should take note of school rules about visitors. With last school year's devastating shooting in a Sandy Hook, Conn., elementary, schools have tightened up their visitor policy. Stop by the office or at the greeters' table at the entrance. Do not attempt to enter in a side door. Wear the visitor's badge offered you and stay in the areas where you have permission to be.

Yes, your presence at school and support of your child is no doubt welcomed and appreciated, but remember, to most of the people there, you are a stranger, and you don't want strangers wandering around the halls of your child's school.

Finally, we encourage you to support your child in the learning process and become of fan of his or her teacher. Be a part of the team that spells a win for your child this school year. You won't regret it.

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OUR VIEW: Show some school spirit as classes begin again

Throughout the city of Murfreesboro, children sprang from their beds this morning, ate a healthy breakfast, dressed and brushed their teeth, then waited excitedly at the bus stop to be chauffeured to